New independent ‘Get Cov Back To Ricoh’ campaign claims fans’ protests have so far failed to apply equal pressure on all sides

A demonstration is to take place outside the council house calling for more action to get Coventry City back to the Ricoh Arena.

The new independent ‘Get Cov Back To Ricoh’ campaign claims fans’ protests have so far failed to apply equal pressure on all sides in the dispute, with the Sky Blues now playing ‘home’ games in Northampton.

An e-petition calls on Ricoh freehold owners Coventry City Council, and the part-council owned Arena Coventry Limited (ACL), to do more to ensure urgent talks with club owners Sisu/Otium over the stadium revenues and ownership – rather than calling on them to return as tenants.

The campaign and e-petition “calls on councillors to take control of the situation for the good of the city’s economy, pride and reputation”.

It calls on the council to conduct a survey into the impact on the city’s economy of losing its football club temporarily or permanently; and for transparency with city taxpayers over the council/ACL’s plans, and legal and PR bills in the dispute.

The website asks: “What is the point of having an empty taxpayer-supported Ricoh Arena as a white elephant, without the club it was built for? We believe a large number of Coventry fans, and city taxpayers, above all just want Coventry City back at the Ricoh Arena as soon as possible, regardless of who owns either.

“...campaigning by fans’ groups so far has taken place outside Sisu HQ and ‘home’ games at Northampton, but not the Council House – despite the popular view that all sides must take responsibility.”

It adds talks over ownership and crucial stadium revenues for the club “could represent the best possibility of a Sisu exit strategy”.

An initial “peaceful demonstration” will take place outside the Council House in Earl Street on Tuesday at 1pm, ahead of a full council meeting at 2pm.

Stuart Cosgrove, who has helped launch the new campaign and is a member of the fans’ group Sky Blue Trust, said: “It is important to state this is neither a breakaway new fans’ group, or a ‘pro-Sisu’ campaign.

“We want a voice for the thousands who clearly believe more pressure needs to be applied on the council and ACL, in addition to the club’s owners. All fans are entitled to their views, and we call for mutual respect and unity.”

The petition also calls on the council and ACL to “accept its costly legal attempts to oust Sisu failed – and Sisu/Otium on August 2 won the crucial Football League’s golden share”.